Cardio FAQ's

On cycles, steppers, and treadmills, CYBEX uses the formulas established by the American College of Sports Medicine to calculate calories.

Specifically for treadmills, the American College of Sports Medicine provides two formulas to predict calories expended: one for running and one for walking. Since the treadmill has no way of knowing whether the individual is walking or running, we make the assumption that you are walking if your speed is less than 3.0 MPH, and that you are running if your speed is greater than 5.0 MPH. For speeds between 3.0-5.0 MPH, we use a sliding scale to estimate the calories between the two different walking and running formulas.

Since CYBEX uses the ACSM formula on cycles, steppers, and treadmills to calculate calories, the results are as accurate as the formula. The gold standard for the measurement of energy expenditure is the actual measurement of oxygen consumed. Since that is not generally possible, the formulas were developed using data from oxygen consumption tests for each of the various machines at levels across a population of users. Where a significant factor like weight occurs it is included in the calculation on the machine. Beyond that the formula is as similar or different as two individuals doing the same thing can be in their use of oxygen which correlates directly to calories. As much as an absolute measure of calories burned, the indicated calories should be considered as a benchmark in ones overall consumption of energy.

Contact Heart Rate can be accurate to within +/- 1 BPM but in most cases should be used as a general indication as there are a variety of factors that can interfere with the quality of the signal such as:

How long you have been holding on (hold at least 30 seconds for a more accurate reading)

Contaminants, such as hand lotions, oils or body powder, may come off on the contact heart rate grips. These can reduce sensitivity and interfere with the heart rate signal. It is recommended that the user have clean hands when using the contact heart rate.

The Heart Rate Control program requires the use of a telemetry strap for constant monitoring of heart rate. The heart icon will turn blue while it is acquiring the signal at the start of the program to confirm the presence of a signal. If your telemetry strap is not sending a signal you may encounter the message "HR Signal Lost". Make sure the back of the telemetry strap is wet to maximize conductivity.

Bike mode is designed to simulate real world feel. Like on a regular bike, as you pedal faster your speed will increase and the resistance (watts) will increase proportionally. Changing gears (levels) will increase how much the wattage ramps up as your speed increases.

This mode of operation is sometimes called ‘accommodating resistance.’ In Isokinetic Mode you’ll set a specific RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) to pedal. As you attempt to exceed your set RPM, resistance will be applied to keep you there. Dropping below your set RPM will result in a decrease in resistance.

This mode is really what it sounds like. There is a set level of resistance and you must push against it. Increasing your speed (pedaling or striding faster) will result in the resistance feeling easier. Inversely, decreasing speed will make the resistance feel harder.

The primary difference is in the area of comfort. The recumbent has a larger seat base and a back rest to support the user. Traditionally, most have considered that a recumbent cycle placed more emphasis on the glutes. This is mostly in perception based on two things: 1) the hip is in a flexed position giving a stretch to the gluteal muscles and thus the sensation of tension, and 2) the user is sitting on the muscle itself making them more aware of its contribution.

Since the foot plates on the Arc Trainer are suspended and your entire weight is being held by those foot plates, entering your body weight allows the unit to adjust the torque according to your body weight. The default body weight is 150lbs.

Since the ACSM does not have calorie tables for the Arc Trainer CYBEX developed its own Calorie tables using a statistically significant population with both males and females ranging from 18-64 years of age. Calories are calculated using the Incline, Strides per minute at the current resistance level and body weight.

Adaptive Power Training is a form of accommodating resistance. All you need to do in this mode is select your level and start working out. The faster you stride the harder it gets. The higher the level selected (1-20) the faster the resistance will ramp up as you stride faster. The table below gives you an idea of Level 1 in Blue, level 10 in Red and 20 in green.

The Arc Trainer has a fixed stride length of 24” per stroke, or 48” per revolution. If you stride at an average of 120 SPM, that would be 240ft/minute or 2.72 mile per hour. Remember that you are always moving at an incline and this is why you will burn so many calories!

Incline on the Arc Trainer relates to the incline of the path at the end positions of the pedal travel. At lower incline levels it will be more a striding motion whereas at the upper incline levels it will be more of a climbing type movement.

All CYBEX Treadmills use Intelligent Suspension³ technology. Our IS³ deck suspension system is designed to work with the natural motion of running by allowing the front of the deck surface to move minimizing the impact your body must absorb at heel strike and then providing a stable surface from which to push off from. You spent all that time and money on good running shoes so why use a treadmill that is going to work against them?

The shock is caused by a buildup of static electricity on your body. The friction between the deck and belt generates this static electricity. This is common among all treadmills but there are steps that you can take to mitigate this: keep the relative humidity of the room above 45%; replace the running belt when worn; people wearing nylon or wool clothing report occurrences of static discharge with greater frequency than those wearing cotton or polyester clothing.

Incline on a CYBEX treadmill is expressed as a percentage instead of degrees. For example, if your treadmill is set to incline level 8, for every 100 feet you walk you will also be climbing 8 vertical feet.

The maximum speed will vary depending on the model of the treadmill. Refer to the table below for the maximum speed that is possible. However, in the case of the 750T the maximum speed can be set lower at the discretion of the facility/owner.